Key messages

A new case of measles has been identified in a returned traveller from Thailand.

There have been five cases of measles identified in Victoria this year.

Offer free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to all people born during or since 1966 who do not have documentation that they have received two measles containing vaccines. Vaccinate all individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history, regardless of Medicare status.

There is no need to check serology prior to vaccination.

Anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they have received vaccinations appropriate to travel.

For additional information and resources please go to the measles page.

What is the issue?

Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles at the current time. Outbreaks of measles continue to affect Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and Europe.

The table below is a summary of public exposure sites for the current measles case in Victoria.

Date

Time

Location

Onset of symptoms up to

Sunday 1 March

11:30am – 1:30pm

Ladygreen (Café), 424 New St, Brighton VIC 3186

Thursday 19 March 2020

There have been five cases of measles identified in Victoria this year. Almost all measles cases in Victoria in the last year have been in people who are not fully immunised against measles, who have either travelled overseas or been in contact with travellers from overseas in Victoria. Many cases have been in people born since 1966 who believed they were fully immunised but who had not had two doses of MMR vaccine

Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the department. There should be an especially high index of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any of the areas listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.

Who is at risk?

Any person born during or since 1966and who does not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or does not have documented evidence of immunity.

Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles. Infants as young as six months of age can receive MMR vaccine prior to travel overseas to countries where measles is endemic, or where measles outbreaks are occurring. The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given at 12 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule (NIP). If an infant receives an early dose of MMR vaccine (e.g. at 8 months) prior to travelling overseas, they are still required to receive their routine 12 month and 18 months doses in line with the NIP schedule. MMR vaccine is now free for infants aged 6 to 12 months travelling to measles affected areas.

Symptoms and transmission

Clinical features of measles include prodromal fever, a severe cough, conjunctivitis and coryza, followed by a maculopapular rash usually starting on the face. Individuals, especially children, are typically unwell. People with measles are potentially infectious from around five days before, to four days after, the appearance of the rash.

Measles is highly infectious and can persist in the environment for up to two hours.

These pictures are typical of a measles rash.

Summary of recommendations

Free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available for people susceptible to measles. People who are not Medicare eligible can also receive the free, state funded, MMR vaccine. Serology is not required before vaccinating.

A person is potentially susceptible if they are born during or since 1966 and do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or do not have documented evidence of immunity. Anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they have received vaccinations appropriate to that travel.

General practices and emergency departments are recommended to:

Be alert for measles infection – ensure all staff, especially triage nurses, have a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with a febrile rash.

Take blood for measles serology in all suspected cases and discuss whether to take nose and throat swabs for PCR with the department if your suspicion for measles is high. Approval is required prior to PCR testing at the reference laboratory. PCR testing for measles does not attract a Medicare rebate.

Call the department to discuss the need for nose and throat swabs for PCR diagnosis. PCR testing for measles does not attract a Medicare rebate.

Minimise the risk of measles transmission within your department/practice: